This article offers a glossary of terms that you may see regularly in your GreatArt catalogue or online at www.greatart.co.uk, but do not necessarily understand how they define the product you are purchasing.

From A to Z, find out more about the most important information about papers: acidity, backing board, block, bristol, cellulose, coated, cold pressed, cotton (linters), cylinger mould...

Jo York comparing the number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 papers from Gerstaecker.

Our popular range of papers covers techniques from drawing and sketching, to watercolour and markers. Jo York put the papers to the test for the latest GreatArt Materials Blog post and you can read some of her findings here.

Number 1 will be ideal for sketching, number 2 for drawing, number 3 for watercolour, number 4 is kraft paper ideal for sketching and number 5 is our mixed media range made of recycled paper...

If I say “a surface for oil painting”, I guess that most of you will think “easel”, “stretched canvas” or “bulky material”? But that was before … Today, artists are completely released!

In loose sheets or in blocks, the paper intended for oil painting is designed to cater to all desires. It is lighter, more economical, and more practical than stretched canvas, so it can be painted anywhere with less supporting materials. It attracts both students and professional artists!

Your choice of paper has a major influence on the appearance and impact of your final artwork, be it a painting, drawing, or print. Our extensive range of papers covers all techniques including painting, drawing in pencil or pastel, mixed media, technical drawing, calligraphy, and printmaking. We supply papers from all the top paper manufacturers such as Daler-Rowney, St Cuthberts Mill, Winsor & Newton, Clairefontaine, Arches, Fabriano, Canson, Hahnemühle, Schoelleshammer, and Lana as well as our own I Love Art and Gerstaecker brand. In addition to your favourite brands we also provide you with choices in paper weight and surface texture to allow you to find the perfect surface for your practise.
Papers are available by the individual sheet, and also pads, sketchbooks and packs of multiple sheets. In addition to papers we also provide a wide range of card, grey board, mount and foamboard which can be used as an alternative surface, to present your final work or for modelling and construction.